No. 39 - On Making Miracles

She sits there on the corner of Jackson and 14th in Oakland, offering to sell her wares to all who pass, and anyone who would glance her way. “Flea Market, flea market!” she calls out. “I got something you need.” You’ve heard the story before… some senior citizen who happens to live in your neighborhood and refuses to give up on the struggle to survive. Whether male or female, this valued neighbor exists as a reminder to all of how hard times can force even the most worthy of us to go out in faith, hoping their needs will be met – somehow, someway.

I call her Grandma – affectionately and respectfully. My natural Grandmother is no longer with me yet her Spirit exists nonetheless, its semblance made clear in the Grandmother to which I’m speaking. I am reminded to respect this kind Old Lady who walks the streets of my neighborhood.

We greet one another with a sense of familiarity and caring. I see her inventory of goods has increased since we last crossed paths. I approach her and respectfully slip her a bill. She looks at it and beams. “How’s business?” I ask. “Things been slow today… been real slow.” was her reply. “Well you take that and put it in a safe place…” I told her. She takes the bill from my hand and looks around cautiously, and then quickly stashes the money in a safe place.

“You have a nice day, Grandma… I’ll see you again soon.” I said as I walked away. “Okay… Grandma be right here.” she replied.

Heading down the street I reflect on the exchange and allow my thoughts to wander. What was it that drew me to this dear Old Lady who takes life head-on each day to make a living for herself? What stories could she share that could lead to a better life for others? And what of her family… where were they, where was she from, how come there seems to be no one close to care for her?

These thoughts lead me to thinking of how it must be to get up each day and face so many unknowns. They remind me of the daring, courage, will power, and faith it takes to have no one but the community one lives in to support oneself. I thought on this, as I frequently do, because I wanted to allow the thoughts to flow into some gem of revelation that might help me in my journey.

And so the gem of knowledge was made manifest…

Faith. The firm belief in something for which there is no proof… The intangible motivator for every great deed ever accomplished… The knowledge that a given need will be met when there is no logical reason to believe it will. Faith.

I imagine Grandma has a level of faith many can never imagine. There she goes, day-to-day, ever confident in her knowledge that her needs will be met and her goals will be attained. It is a testament to the value and lessons we can all learn from those who have gone before us, and who continue to demonstrate in very tangible ways the value and strength of ones beliefs.

Going back to the many lessons I’ve learned and the Biblical stories that still mesmerize so most of us, I’m reminded of the many miracles that so many experienced… and continue to experience to this day. I recall stories of the numerous prayers and how when one person - or another - was experiencing their greatest need some unexpected thing occurred and, lo and behold, their greatest need was met, or they were delivered to safety.

I can only imagine how Grandma prays fervently on a daily bases that her needs are met. I’m sure she prays for some act of kindness and relief from her daily challenges, and the strength to make it through another day.

For whatever reason I am drawn to this kind Old Lady. I have made it my point and goal to remember her in my prayers and to demonstrate my interest in her well being by putting my money where my mouth is. I have yielded to the Spirit as it moves within me and have answered its call to do what I can for this respected Senior Citizen.

I do not consider myself special or called to do anything more then that which I am called to do. I care about my community and the many wonderful people that live around me. I try to live my life according to the words I speak, and as a demonstration to all who observe.

So where does this lead and what conclusion may be drawn?

Quite simply I have come to understand that all too often we fail to see and appreciate the very answers to our prayers, or the miracles that come our way. All too often we are so concerned with what we don’t have or what we wish we had that we cannot recognize and appreciate that which we do have.

On Making Miracles, well, that’s the easy one…

You see, I believe that if we would but open our hearts a little, if we are willing to take time to respond to our calling - just enough to give something to someone with an obvious and genuine need - we open ourselves to be the deliverer of the Miracle that answers someone’s fervent prayer for help.